How to intercrop nasturtium
How to intercrop nasturtium
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus L., 1753) is a plant of the Tropaeolaceae family that was imported by Europeans around the 17th century and also used against vitamin C deficiency (scurvy). Antibacterial properties are now attributed to nasturtium in herbal medicine.
However, when you want to plant nasturtium you must take into account that, due to its high adaptability and propagation, it is a plant that should be considered as an invasive species in Europe, as it hinders the growth of other native plants that live especially in Mediterranean humid areas. under plants such as Arundo donax or Phragmites australis: for example Potentilla reptans, Lycopus europaeus, or Carex hirta, are examples of species that enter into strong competition with this plant.
Furthermore, nasturtiums represent an excellent source of nourishment for the caterpillars of the Pieris brassicae butterfly, or the common cabbage, which can lay its eggs precisely on this plant: in fact, although the nasturtium is genetically very distant from plants of the Brassica genus , the sap of this plant is mainly based on sulfur (glucosinolates), a type of sugar that attracts this butterfly a lot. Consequently, nasturtium partly contributes to the spread of this moth.
The cultivation of nasturtium, as we will see later, in addition to being interesting for some of its effects in intercropping, can represent an interesting alternative as an edible plant.
All parts of the plant are in fact edible, with a flavor vaguely similar to that of watercress, a plant of the Cruciferae family. The similarity in flavor lies in the fact that the Cruciferae and the Tropeolaceae are two families relatively close to each other, also due to the chemical substances that are synthesized in these plants. The fruit of the nasturtium has a flavor similar to that of leaves and flowers and is sometimes used as a substitute for the caper, although opinions on the qualities of this plant in gastronomy are conflicting. The leaves are used to flavor foods, especially first courses, given their slightly spicy flavour.
Furthermore, the flowers are often used as an ornamental ingredient for salads or as a condiment for stir-fried dishes. These contain approximately 130 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, approximately the same amount contained in parsley. Furthermore, they contain up to 45 mg of lutein per 100 grams, which is the highest quantity ever found in any edible plant.
For all these aspects, nasturtium is a plant of considerable interest to be grown in association with other plants, taking into account, however, the ability to not let it propagate beyond its own range; among these we remember: carrot, cabbage, cucumber, chicory, onion, bean, strawberry, fennel, lettuce, tomato, perilla, leek, radish, savory, shallot, stevia and courgette.
Nasturtium is therefore a versatile plant that can be intercropped with many other plants in the garden to improve the growth and overall health of crops. Here are some of the plants with which nasturtium can be effectively associated:
Tomatoes: Nasturtium can help repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies and beetles that can damage tomatoes.
Courgettes and other Cucurbitaceae: such as courgettes, cucumbers, pumpkins and melons. Nasturtium can help keep aphids and beetles away.
Cabbages and other Brassicaceae: such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, which are often attacked by aphids and cabbage plants. Nasturtium can attract these pests, functioning as a “trap plant”.
Beans: Nasturtium can improve the growth of beans by repelling insects such as aphids and beetles.
Lettuce and other salad greens: Nasturtium can help protect salad greens from aphids and other pests.
Carrots: Can help repel carrot flies.
Radishes: Nasturtium can attract aphids, keeping radishes free.
Berries: such as strawberries, which can benefit from the protection against aphids and other pests offered by nasturtium.
In general, therefore, nasturtium not only helps repel parasites, but also attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, promoting pollination.